[paul79]

With this DAC using XLR avoids going through an opamp doing the bal/unbalanced conversion in the single-ended path.

If this is the case for the Yggy, then I have no trouble believing that the XLR output sounds better, but using an XLR to RCA adapter is not the best way to do it. Sure, it might sound a bit better than the unbalanced out this way. However, using a very high quality signal transformer, differential mode, to convert the balanced to unbalanced would be ALLOT better, assuming the Yggy has the drive to run the transformer.

[SHjb]

Agree this is not the best way, but it got me in the door for less than $20. There are other, albeit more expensive, routes to achieve the best SQ.

[Peter J]

I've read that if you dip the circuit boards in honey...





Wait for it





It makes it sound sweeter.

[newzooreview]

while at least one person has said that he had cables made to send the XLR to RCA with a resistor to match the impedance of his amp, and that it made a huge difference in his Yggy, opening up the soundstage and the improving resolution. Does he just "think" he's hearing that huge improvement?

That was me. Pete at Triode Wire Labs made up the cables, and the impedance matching was to the pre-amp (Red Wine Audio Isabella) not the amp. I was using Triode Wire Labs single-ended interconnects of the same type before I made the switch to the XLR-->RCA cables, so the only difference at all in the system was in being able to use the XLR outputs from the Yggdrasil. The difference in sound was not subtle. I respect the designer's opinion that the RCA output is well engineered: I wouldn't know enough to suggest otherwise. But I do know that I have better sound using the XLR outputs.

I am also intrigued by the idea of using a transformer between Yggdrasil and pre-amp, but I have no idea where to get a suitable transformer or how to configure and connect it. I would be interested to hear more.

When the XLR input module becomes available for the Vinnie Rossi LIO I'll be receiving one configured as a pre-amp and can use an XLR to XLR cable to connect the Yggdrasil to the pre-amp. The LIO operates single-ended internally, so I am not sure whether or not the XLR-->RCA cable I'm using will still be the better sounding option or not.

The excellent sound from the Yggdrasil has rewarded the experimentation in my case. It may or may not make as much audible difference in other systems.

[SHjb]

This will do the job

http://www.jensen-transformers.com/product/pc-2xr/

One just sold here on AC.

[rollo]

  Great DAC to start with. Has anyone performed ALL mods and compared to original ? Remember this DAC is a complete design costing $2300. Changing parts for better parts may just mucks it up. Removing LED is a good idea. Changing fuse a good idea.
   If it was mine I would just leave it alone for a minimum of 500 hours and then try some stuff.  Recently one of my customers bought the Yaggi [ not a dealer] and dumped his expensive EMM Labs DAC. Good is good.
   Try footers, Power cords, digital cables with BNC connectors [ chassis as well ].  Last but not least it performs very well with dedicated transport in lieu of computer. We use a CEC 01.



charles

[randytsuch]

I respect the designer's opinion that the RCA output is well engineered:

Designer's always think their stuff is well engineered.   

And I'm not saying that it's not, but designers make compromises too, for cost, space, etc.

[Syrah]

Someone should send one to Dan Wright to see if he can work his magic.  I did this with my Chord EX and his conclusion was - great DAC for the $, but not easily mod-able other than the power supply.  The Yggy seems different, bigger case anyway.

[Larkston Zinaspic]

If this is the case for the Yggy, then I have no trouble believing that the XLR output sounds better, but using an XLR to RCA adapter is not the best way to do it. Sure, it might sound a bit better than the unbalanced out this way. However, using a very high quality signal transformer, differential mode, to convert the balanced to unbalanced would be ALLOT better, assuming the Yggy has the drive to run the transformer.

Do you think this is what Steve Deckert is going for with his "ZDSD" modified Tascam? I didn't really understand why Steve modifies only the RCA outs but describes the modification as having "the output of a fully differential balanced circuit driving a fully floating pair of high gain, wide bandwidth transformers".

You know Mike is really not a big fan of usb but includes it on his products due to market realities.

It would be interesting if Schiit included the option for an Amanero USB reclocker board, SD card reader, or something like a Ravenna interface in the future. Doubt it, but I'd be more than interested if they went for it.